Motte, Cards to host Strike Out Cancer night

ST. LOUIS -- The Cardinals and reliever Jason Motte have solidified plans to host a Strike Out Cancer theme night at Busch Stadium on Sept. 2, an event that will raise money for childhood cancer research in St. Louis.

Special theme-night tickets will be sold for the game against the Pirates, and those who purchase them will receive a bobblehead featuring Motte in his "K Cancer" T-shirt. Last season, Motte, while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, worked with a St. Louis-area apparel designer to create the "K Cancer" shirts that are now available in all 30 Major League Baseball team colors.

The theme ticket will also gain fans access to a pregame meet-and-greet with Motte. The Cardinals will donate a portion of each ticket sold to a cancer foundation. Those tickets can be purchased at cardinals.com/theme.

"Fan support for the Strike Out Cancer effort has been amazing," Motte said in a prepared statement. "I'm really looking forward to our night at the ballpark as it promises to be a nice way to honor cancer survivors, support those still fighting their battle, and remember those we have lost."

Having not pitched since the end of the 2012 season, Motte has dedicated much of his time off toward raising awareness of cancer. While that work continues, Motte will also soon be back on a St. Louis mound. He made four appearances last week as part of his rehab assignment with Double-A and will be pitching in Triple-A this week.